Subiaco, Ancient monastic settlement in Latium, Italy
Description
Subiaco is a commune in the Metropolitan City of Rome that sits along the slopes of the Aniene River valley at 408 meters elevation, surrounded by limestone cliffs of the Apennines. The area includes two major monastery complexes, Santa Scolastica and Sacro Speco, built into the rock walls above the town center.
History
The settlement grew around Benedictine monasteries founded from the 6th century by Benedict of Nursia. German printers Arnold Pannartz and Konrad Sweynheim opened Italy's first printing press at Santa Scolastica Abbey in 1464.
Culture
The town center keeps the layout of a medieval mountain settlement with steep lanes and stone houses arranged across different levels. Residents tend vegetable gardens along the terraces and use the small squares as meeting points in daily life.
Practical
Regular bus services run from Rome's Ponte Mammolo metro station and take about 90 minutes through the Aniene valley. The narrow streets in the town center are best explored on foot, while the higher monasteries require steep walking paths.
Did you know?
Emperor Nero built three artificial lakes near the site for his villa complex, giving the Latin name Sublaqueum, meaning under the lake. The lakes were later destroyed by floods, but their ruins remain visible in the valley.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Metropolitan City of Rome).
Monastery of Saint Benedict
2.4 km
Monastery of Saint Scholastica
953 m
Territorial Abbey of Subiaco
2.4 kmSubiaco Dams
3.3 km
Monte Autore
9 km
Parco naturale regionale Monti Simbruini
7.3 km
Rocca Abbaziale
917 m
Cathedral Basilica of St. Scholastica
1.9 km
Ponte di San Francesco
1.3 kmMonte Pratiglio
7.9 kmMuseo delle Attività Cartarie e della Stampa
897 m
Subiaco Ephebe
2 km
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
5.9 kmTorre
5.9 kmMonte delle Pianezze
5.8 km
Church of St. Andrew the Apostle
1.1 kmMuseo Luigi Ceselli del Monastero di Santa Scolastica
746 mBiblioteca statale del Monumento nazionale di Santa Scolastica
952 mMonte Autore observatory
9 kmGrotta dell'Inferniglio
6.6 kmComunita giovanile subiaco
1 kmCinema Teatro Narzio
863 mLe Vedute
8.8 kmScenic viewpoint
942 mScenic viewpoint
3.5 kmScenic viewpoint
3.5 kmScenic viewpoint
7.8 kmLaghetto di San Benedetto
2.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes